Contribution of discography to the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

In this study, based on 600 cases of lumbar disc herniation treated by chemonucleolysis, the authors underline the importance of performing good discography and interpreting its results. A discographic classification of intervertebral disc deterioration is suggested. A CT-discographic study is reported and its results are compared with those of standard discography. On the basis of these studies, the authors have established methodological data concerning the efficacy of chemonucleolysis and its evaluation.